Breck’s Ski School buyer’s guide

A great ski school experience can lay the foundation for a lifelong love of the mountains, and at Breck, the instructors  take pride in fostering the next generation of skiers and snowboarders. A day in ski school can teach important new skills, build confidence and independence on the mountain, and lead to friendships that last a lifetime.

While Breck’s beautiful backdrop and the ski school’s expert teachers go a long way, the right gear can be essential to making sure your child’s first turns are the first of many. For everyone from groms just mastering their “pizza” and “french fries” to seasoned little rippers, there are tons of products out there that take advantage of many of the same technologies and styles that power the best ski and snowboard gear for adults. Here are some of our favorites for this upcoming season.

First Timers

Looking for an easy, budget friendly, and fast way to get young kids up on the slopes? The Burton After School Special ($239.95) is a solid option to get young-uns going right out of the box.  It comes pre-set up with fully adjustable bindings and features a beginner friendly stance and mellow sidecut great for the bunny hill.  With available lengths in 80, 90, and 100cm, it’s perfect for kids roughly four to seven years old.

Little Experts

Do you drop your kids off at ski school to avoid watching them beat you down the hill? Or is their technique to you just as important as their grade in history? ? If so,  K2 Bad Apple skis ($399.95), available in 139cm and 149cm sizes, are a perfect option for older kids who are ready to take on terrain way beyond the bunny hill. Based on the design of the adult sized Shredditor and featuring K2’s Powder Rocker technology, this is a perfect set of planks for kids who head straight for the black diamond ability sign in the morning.

Shred Betties

For little ladies looking to tear it up just like their moms and big sisters, the Armada Kirti skis feature forgiving traditional camber construction and Armada’s signature stylish graphics. Available in 105, 115, and 125cm sizes, they are perfect for girls around seven to ten years old.

The Perfect Kit

A kid’s outfit for the first day of ski school can be just as important as the one they wore on the first day of real class. For little shredders looking to rock the latest fashions, Helly Hansen has a great lineup of gear with the same slick,  steezy look their older siblings are rocking.

Create a great ensemble with products like the K Rider INS Jacket ($130) and JR Legend Pant ($110).

Think an investment in new gear AND new ski lessons might be a little too steep? Don’t worry – even if your child is dressed in last year’s set up they’ll still have a blast at the Breck Ski and Ride School. Just make sure they’ll be warm enough and what they have on is hot chocolate-proof.

— Jonathan Gang